Magnet controller

ABSTRACT

An industrial lifting magnet control circuit using semiconductors and conventional relay components for performing and timing the power switching cycles of magnet energization, discharge and current reversal for drop-off. Reversing contacts control the direction of current flow through the magnet and in one embodiment of the invention a single SCR together with a diode-resistor quench circuit provide the switching of power and the dissipation of magnet energy. Another embodiment of the invention further includes a second SCR for switching and isolation and a pair of diodes for directing and rapidly dissipating the magnet energy through the motor-generator power source. The switching SCR&#39;&#39;s are triggered by unijunction transistor timing circuits and are commutated by SCR-controlled capacitor discharge.

United States Patent [72] inventor Gediminas J. Butkus University Heights, Ohio [21] Appl. No. 29,551

[22] Filed Apr. 17,1970

[45] Patented Dec. 21, 1971 [73] Assignee N-E-M Controls, Inc.

Wickliiie, Ohio [54] MAGNET CONTROLLER 14 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 3 317/123, 317/141 S, 317/1485 B, 317/157.5 [51] int. Cl 1101i 7/20, 1101f 13/00, H0lh47/32 [50] Field of Search 317/123,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,858,485 10/1965 Seeger 317/123 3,368,119 2/1968 Liffwin V 317/1575 3,467,894 9/1969 Blume 3,504,264 3/1970 Suelzle Primary Examiner-L. T. Hix Attorney-Oberlin, Maky, Donnelly ABSTRACT: An industrial lifting magnet control circuit using semiconductors and conventional relay components for performing and timing the power switching cycles of magnet U U I ll if 83 ag J PATENTEU 05021 ISTI SHEET 1 [1F 2 mm 93 --m INVENTOR.

GED/M/NAS J. BUT/(U5 ATTORNEYS MAGNET CONTROLLER DISCLOSURE This invention relates to electric circuits for switching high levels of currents in inductive loads and more particularly to circuits utilizing semiconductor components for controlling the application and discharge of energy in an industrial lifting magnet.

The inductance values realized in applications of this type are extremely high and it is necessary to employ high levels of current flow, typically in the range of 50 to I50 amperes, to achieve suitable magnetic field intensity of sufficient strength for lifting operations. While there is sufficient capacity in existing equipment to achieve such high power levels of operation, considerations of economy, efficiency of operation and safety have become paramount and consequently more exotic control systems are required to achieve these results.

For example, it is common to employ a motor-generator set for portable applications and to apply the energy derived therefrom to a conventional lift magnet by means of typical relay switching circuitry whereby high levels of current flow are accommodated by heavy-duty and specially designed relay contacts. In such applications, the inductance of the lifting magnet is so great that it may take on the order of twelve seconds to achieve maximum current flow through the magnet or to release the energy stored therein to a suitable low level. While recent considerations in the design of relays have greatly increased the life of relay contacts, it is acknowledged that some erosion of the contacts occurs upon each switching and at such high levels of current and energy only a limited lifetime can be expected, requiring a continuing replacement and maintenance schedule.

Further, the control circuitry for a lifting magnet is required to perform three basic cycles of operation, these being an application of power to the magnet in the lift cycle, a dissipation of the energy in the magnet in the discharge cycle, and a passage of current through the magnet in a reverse direction in a release cycle, the latter two cycles comprising the drop sequence. While the release cycle may be performed in a short interval of time, the lift and discharge cycles are relatively long and are determined by the type of components and power levels employed and the efficiency of operation desired, being limited by practical considerations. It is apparent, however, that valuable operating time is wasted in these cycles wherein the operator must wait until the maximum lifting force is available or until the circuit is in a state where switching can be performed without damage to the components. Further it is apparent that safety and convenience of operation must be considered so that the operator need not suffer the full build up and decay of current levels, required by some prior art automatic drop systems which rely on interlocking relay circuitry, before switching cycles.

It is one feature of this invention that the switching of high current levels by relay contacts is completely avoided in the utilization of high-current-capacity SCR devices which can perform such switching without creation of an electrical arc of current and the subsequent pitting problems. Such devices are advantageous in not being subject to the contamination problems associated with relay contacts; in being switched from a conducting to nonconducting state or vice versa by relatively low power level signals; and in having rapidity of response as an inherent characteristic of same. Further, the control of such devices is simplified in that conventional electronic circuitry and timing techniques can be utilized, obviating the necessity for a multiplicity of relay contacts and specialized relay types. 7

In one embodiment of this invention only a single SCR is employed to provide the switching for the lift, discharge and release cycles, while in another embodiment of the invention an additional SCR is employed together with a pair of highcurrent diodes to provide all cycles of operation. In this latter preferred embodiment of the invention a technique for rapid discharge of the energy in the magnet is employed wherein the magnet is reversely connected to the motor-generator set supplying energy to the system to cause dissipation of the energy into the armature winding of the generator. Both circuit embodiments utilize a conventional quench circuit for dissipating the magnet energy, full dissipation occurring in the former embodiment, while in the latter, only that dissipation of the magnet energy when the generator source is removed.

Therefore, it is one object of this invention to provide an improved control system employing an SCR to perform the switching functions of applying and removing power in a highinductance component operating at high-current levels.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved magnet control system with relatively short cycle times, the latter being provided by the dissipation of magnet energy into the source powering the system.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved magnet control system which has a plurality of operating modes and provision for switching from one mode to another with little delay.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved magnet control system employing SCRs for switching current through the magnet coil, which SCRs are in turn commutated by SCR-controlled capacitor discharge circuits.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved magnet control system which employs semiconductor circuitry for initiation of the various cycles of operation of the magnet which circuitry provided both timing and gating functions.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing magnet discharge into the power source; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram partly in block diagram form of a second embodiment of the invention utilizing only a single main switching SCR.

FIRST EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention depicting a complete electrical circuit diagram of the magnet control system with components shown in schematic form. The lifting magnet 10 is depicted by the conventional symbol for a coil, having a pair of connecting leads ll, 12 and may be considered any type of inductive component, however, the teachings of this invention are particularly applicable to a lifting magnet having massive iron core wound with an energizing winding of high-current carrying capability and exhibiting an extremely high inductance characteristic.

Power for the magnet control system is derived from a generator 14 driven by a motor 15, the former typically comprising a driven wound rotor, rotatable in an established magnetic field, and adapted to supply a DC output on lines l6, 17. Typically the impedance of such generator 14 is relatively low to provide suitable power output and such device is capable of being operated as a motor when power is supplied to the rotor from an external source, such latter feature being utilized in this invention. The output lines I6, 17 of the generator 14 are connected respectively to a positive bus 18 and negative bus 19 for distribution to the remainder of the circuit, the latter connection being made through a fuse 20.

The magnet 10 is connected in circuit between the positive and negative buses l8, 19 in series with first and second main SCRs 21, 22 (silicon-controlled rectifiers) and a pair of normally open contacts 24-1, 24-2 of a lift relay 24. Thus the circuit for supplying forward current to the magnet in the lift cycle comprises a main SCR 21 having anode connected to the positive bus 18 and cathode connected to lift relay contact 24-1, the contact 24-1 connected to the first connecting lead 11 of the magnet 10, the second connecting lead 12 connected to lift relay contact 24-2 which is in turn connected to the anode of the second main SCR 22 having a cathode connection to the negative bus 19.

A pair of diodes 25, 26 further connect the magnet 10 to the positive and negative buses to establish the discharge circuit for the magnet, the first diode 25 having the anode connected by way of line 28 to the generator line 17 of the negative bus 19, and the cathode connected to the first connecting lead 11 of the magnet 10. The second diode 26 has the anode connected to the second connecting lead 12 of the magnet 10 and its cathode connected directly to the positive bus 18, both diodes 25, 26 therefore being connected in a direction to oppose current fiow from the positive bus 18 to the negative bus 19.

A pair of contacts 29-1, 29-2 of drop relay 29 further connect the magnet 10 in circuit for operation during the release cycle, such contacts together with lift relay contacts 24-1, 24- 2 comprising a set of reversing contacts for the magnet. Drop relay contact 29-1 is connected at one side to the cathode of the first main SCR 21 and at the other to a fuse 30 which in turn is connected to the second connecting lead 12 of the magnet 10. Drop relay contact 29-2 is connected to the anode of the second main SCR 22 and to a current-sensing relay 31, the latter connected via resistor 27 and fuse 32 to the first connecting lead 11 of the magnet 10. Thus in the release cycle, a path for current flow will be established from the positive bus 18 through the main SCR 21, drop relay contact 29-1, magnet 10, current relay 31, second drop relay contact 29-2, second main SC R 22 to the negative bus 19.

Further connected in parallel with the magnet 10 are the forward-current quench circuit 34 and the reverse-current quench circuit 35, the former comprising the series circuit of a diode 36 and resistor 37 with the coil of a sensing relay 38 connected across resistor 37. Quench circuit 35 comprises diode 39, drop relay contact 29-3, and resistor 40, the latter having the coil of drop latching relay 41 connected thereacross. Diode 36 is poled to conduct discharge current from the magnet 10 when connecting lead 12 is positive and diode 39 is poled to conduct discharge current from the magnet 10 when connecting lead 11 is positive.

The preceding description covers the essential circuitry for directing current flow to and from the magnet 10 for charge and discharge operation and is sufficient to gain an understanding of the general operation of the system. The remainder of the circuit shown in FIG. 1 comprises timing circuitry, control relays, power supplies and the like and will be described in detail in relation to the magnet-current directing circuitry for a full understanding of this invention.

Essentially the system operates to set up the conditions for current flow by means of the switching of conventional relay contacts when no current is flowing so as to avoid the deleterious effects of arcing and bouncing problems with the contacts. Thus switching of the magnet 10 energizing current occurs in the main SCRs 21, 22 which are gated on at appropriate times within the cycles of operation and commutated to an off condition for interruption of current flow. Conduction of the SCRs 21, 22 is achieved in a conventional manner by the application of gating pulses at the gate electrodes thereof by way of transformer-coupled windings while commutation is performed by the discharge of capacitors which reduce the current flow through the SCRs below the holding current level, which action is sufficient to bring the SCRs to a cutoff condition. In both embodiments of the invention, the discharge of the commutating capacitors are controlled by additional SCRs which in turn are gated by appropriate timing circuitry.

The sole control component for the operator of this system is a lift-drop switch 42 located in the operators cab which may be manually actuated at anytime within the various cycles from either a closed-to-open position or vice versa, the system having sufficient safeguards therein to prevent actual switching of the current at the magnet 10 until the circuitry is properly conditioned therefor. The lift-drop switch 42 is connnected in series with a slave relay coil 44, a current-limiting resistor 45, and a diode 46 poled for protection if the generator 14 polarity is reversed.

LIFT SEQUENCE The lift-drop switch 42 is closed by the operator to complete the circuit to the slave relay coil 44. One pair of contacts 44-1, 44-2 of the slave relay 44 are connected between the emitter electrode of a unijunction transistor 48 and the negative bus 19. The unijunction transistor 48 forms a portion of a timing or gating circuit for control of SCRs and comprises a semiconductor element having its base 2 connected by way of a low-impedance resistor 49 to a source of regulated DC potential on line 50, its emitter connected to the junction of series connected resistor 51 and capacitor 52 also receiving power from the regulated DC line 50, and its base 1 connected to the primary winding 54-1 of a pulse transformer.

The regulated power supply for this unijunction transistor 48 as well as other transistors utilized throughout the system comprises series-connected resistors 55, 56 and shunt-connected capacitors 57, 58 acting as filter elements for providing a low-voltage DC output on line 50. A zener diode 59 is in shunt connection with the line 50 and the negative bus 19 to provide regulation of the output voltage.

The unijunction transistor 48 operates to supply pulse current flow from the base 1 electrode through the transformer primary winding 54-1 when the voltage at the emitter attains a predetermined level. Emitter current flow acts to partially discharge capacitor 52, which upon recharging to the predetermined voltage level creates a further pulse output. The repetition time of pulse output from the transistor 48 is a function of the time-constant of the resistor 51, capacitor 52 combination and the components may be selected to provide any desired frequency output or to have a long time-constant to provide a slow build up of voltage across the capacitor 52 and thus provide the function of a delay or a timing circuit. In this embodiment of the invention, the transistor 48 acts primarily as an oscillator operating in the range of approximately 5 kHz. and upon actuation of the slave relay 44 provides approximately 15 to 20 pulses into the primary winding 54-1. As noted, slave relay contacts 44-1, 44-2 are in shunt connection with the emitter electrode and are operative upon energization of the slave relay 44 to open contact 44-1 and then, after a short interval of time sufficient to allow oscillation of the circuit to occur, close contact 44-2 to shunt the emitter electrode to the negative bus 19.

A commutating circuit for the second main SCR 22 comprises series-connected resistors 60, 61 and SCR 62, the latter having its cathode connected to the negative bus 19. A capacitor 64, having a value on the order of 50 microfarads at 400 working volts, is connected between the anodes of the commutating SCR 62 and the second main SCR 22, the capacitor 64 adapted to be charged during conduction of the second main SCR 22 and discharged upon conduction of the commutating SCR 62 for switching purposes. A second commutating circuit for the first main SCR 21 comprises series-connected resistors 65, 66 and SCR 68, the latter having its anode connected directly to the positive bus 18. Similarly, a commutating capacitor 69 is connected between the cathodes of the first main SCR 21 and the commutating SCR 68 and is adapted to be charged during conduction of the main SCR 21 and discharged upon conduction of the commutating SCR 68. Secondary windings 54-2, 54-3 of the pulse transformer are connected between the gate and cathode electrodes of the commutating SCRs 62,68 in order to gate the SCRs to a conductive condition.

Thus when the slave relay 44 is first energized, gating pulses are applied to the commutating SCR's 62, 68 to discharge the capacitors 64, 69 in order to assure that the first and second main SCRs 21, 22 are in an ofi condition. Similarly, as will be explained hereinafter, this arrangement allows the operator to terminate the lift or drop sequence at any time within the cycles and after a short delay switch to another cycle.

Energization of the slave relay 44 also closes slave relay contact 44-3 to energize the lift relay 24. Lift relay contacts 24-1, 24-2 close in the magnet path and prepare the magnet circuitry for energization through the main switching SCRs 21, 22.

Gating of the main SCRs 21, 22 is performed in a similar manner to that of the commutating SCRs 62, 68 the main SCRs having secondary windings 72-2, 72-3 of a pulse transformer connected between the gate and cathode electrodes thereof and magnetically coupled to a primary winding 72-1 of the transformer in the main SCR gating circuit, the latter indicated generally at 74.

The gating circuit 74 comprises a unijunction transistor 75 having base 2 electrode connected by way of low-impedance resistor 76 to the positive line 50 of the low-voltage source, base 1 electrode connected by way of the primary winding 72- 1 of the transformer to the negative bus 19 and the emitter electrode connected by way of a pair of voltage-dropping diodes 77 to a bias terminal 78. The bias terminal 78 is formed as the junction of series-connected resistor 79 and capacitor 80, the resistor 79 in turn receiving power, through drop relay contact 29-4 or lift contact 24-3, from the positive line 50. The capacitor 80 is of relatively large value and together with series resistor 79 provides a time-constant suitable for causing oscillation of the unijunction transistor 75 at approximately 2 pulses per second, which slow pulsing rate allows the closure of the lift 24-1, 24-2 or drop 29-1, 29-2 contacts to be established (ensuring that the contacts have stopped bouncing) before the main SCRs 21, 22 are gated into conduction. The gating circuit 74 includes also SCR 81 in shunt connection with capacitor 80 for purposes of discharging the capacitor and preventing operation of the circuit 79 when transistor 48 in the commutating pulse generating circuit is supplying pulses. The gate electrode of SCR 81 is connected by way of line 82 and series resistor 83 to the base 1 electrode of transistor 48.

Further in the lift sequence, as the lift contacts 24-1, 24-2 are closed, lift contact 24-3 is also closed to energize the gating circuit 74 and after a short time interval gating pulses are applied by way of the primary 72-1 and secondary 72-2, 72-3 windings to gate the main SCRs 21, 22 into conduction and connect the magnet 10 between the positive and negative buses l8, 19 to initiate the flow of magnet current. Simultaneously with tum-on of the second main SCR 22, a circuit is completed consisting of series-connected diode 84, resistor 85 and lift latching relay 86 to cause energization of the relay 86 and closure of the lift latching contact 86-1 shunting the slave contact 44-3 for interlocking the lift relay 24. A voltage suppressing circuit comprising series-connected capacitor 88 and resistor 89 is also in shunt connection with the slave relay contact 44-3.

Lift latching contacts 86-2, 86-3 are in shunt connection with resistors 60, 65 respectively to ensure that the commutating capacitors 64, 69 charge rapidly to be in condition for commutation of the main SCRs 21, 22 early in the cycle, a]- lowing the operator to go to the drop cycle, for example, after a short life sequence. This circuit provision is especially advantageous if the operator changes his mind or finds that safety precautions have been exceeded.

Once the magnet 10 has been energized for an interval of time, the maximum current flow will be obtained, limited by the resistance of the magnet windings, and will continue to provide the magnetic fieldfor lifting purposes. Interruption of the current flow to the magnet 10 to release objects supported thereon presents the problems not only of interrupting a high current level which may be on the order of several hundred amperes but also of discharging the energy stored in the inductance of the magnet coil, which energy characteristically creates a reversal in polarity of the voltage across the magnet and a continuation of the current flow until the energy is dissipated.

Further, although the magnet 10 energy becomes dissipated in this manner, objects may still be retained on the face of the magnet due to the residual magnetism in the components forming the magnet or due to the fact that the objects being lifted have become magnets themselves. Thus a reversal of current flow through the magnet 10 performs not only the function of eliminating residual magnetism in the structure, but also creates a magnetic field of the opposite polarity to repel magnetized objects attracted to the face of the magnet. Preferably then the drop sequence for magnet deenergization includes the sequential cycles of magnet discharge and release.

DROP SEQUENCE The discharge cycle is initiated by opening the lift-drop switch 42 causing deenergization of the slave relay 44 and opening of contact 44-3. The lift 24 and auxiliary lift 71 relays, however, are held energized by the still-closed contact 86-1 of the lift latching relay 86.

Slave relay contacts 44-1, 44-2 revert to the normal condition depicted in FIG. 1, contact 44-2 however opening for a short time interval before closure of contact 44-1 allowing charging of the capacitor 52 and the generation of pulses in the primary winding 54-1 of the pulse transformer. The commutating SCRs 62, 68 are gated on by way of the pulses from the secondary windings 54-2, 54-3 shunting the capacitors 64, 69 across the main SCRs 21, 22 and causing current flow in the main SCRs in opposition to the magnet current. When the net current in the main SCR s 21, 22 is approximately zero, both will turn off, disconnecting the magnet 10 from the positive and negative buses 18, 19.

The energy in the magnet 10 maintains the current flowing through it and the polarity of the magnet terminals thus become immediately reversed, the connecting lead 12 now becoming of positive potential with respect to lead 11. This polarity change forward biases diodes 25, 26 and current from the magnet 10 flows through the positive and negative buses 18, 19 back through the generator 14. Reversely energized, the generator 14 now becomes a motor and the energy of the magnet 10 is dissipated in the generator rotor winding in opposing the action of the drive motor 15. The impedance of the generator rotor is significantly low so as to reduce the discharge time of the magnet 10 to on the order of only several seconds, being significantly faster than can be practically obtained by discharge of the magnet energy into a fixed-impedance element.

When the magnet 10 reverses polarity, the lift latching relay 86 is deenergized by virtue of the blocking action of the diode 84 and the forward-current quench circuit 34 is established via diode 36 causing energization of the drop-sensing relay 38. Contacts 38-1, 38-2 of the sensing relay 38 now shunt resistors 60, 65 respectively to maintain the commutating circuits in a fast-charging condition and the release of the holding contact 86-1 allows the lift 24 and auxiliary lift 71 to relays to drop out. Simultaneously, closure of the drop-sensing relay contact 38-3 causes energization of the drop relay 29 which is the main contactor and circuit changer for the drop sequence. Preferably the lift 24 and drop 29 relays are mechanically interlocked so as to avoid simultaneous actuation.

Closure of drop relay contacts 29-1, 29-2 establish the reverse current path for the magnet 10 which is utilized during the release cycle of the drop sequence after substantial discharge of the magnet has occurred. It is noted that the drop relay contacts 29-1, 29-2 are isolated from the magnet 10 by the now open lift contacts 24-1, 24-2 and undergo their transition to the closed state in the absence of current flow due also to the off condition of the main SCRs 21, 22 Closure of the drop relay contact 29-4 connects resistor 79 to line 50 and starts the gating circuit 74 causing the establishment of pulses in the primary winding 72-1 of the transformer after a short time interval. Although pulses are applied to the gating electrodes of the main SCRs 21, 22, the SCRs will not conduct until the magnet 10 has discharged enough so that it can no longer support the generator 14, the main SCRs 21, 22 being effectively shunted by the low-impedance path of the diodes 25, 26. Upon sufficient discharge of the magnet, the diodes 25, 26 will become reverse biased and the main SCRs 21, 22 will be conditioned for response to a gating pulse and will tum-on.

When this occurs, a path of reverse current through the magnet 10 is created from the positive bus 18 through the first main SCR 21, drop relay contact 29-1, fuse 30, the magnet 10 itself, fuse 32, current-sensing relay 31, drop relay contact 29- 2, and the second main SCR 22 to the negative bus 19. Current-sensing relay 31 may be preset to become energized when the reversed current has reached a value to ensure a clean drop, this current level being significantly lower than that required for forward energization of the magnet 10. Closure of the current relay contact 31-1 connects series-adjustable resistor 90, fixed-resistor 91, and capacitor 92 to the low-voltage line 50 to provide biasing voltage to a second unijunction transistor 94 timer circuit connected also to the primary winding 54-1 of the pulse transformer. The circuit components are preadjusted to provide relatively rapid pulses which are applied to the commutating SCRs 62, 68 to cause discharge of the capacitors 64, 69 and commutation of the main SCRs 21, 22 as previously described.

Since the magnet 10 has again stored energy due to the reverse current flow, the connecting lead 11 again becomes positive and a discharge path is created through diode 39, drop relay contact 29-3, and the fixed-resistor 40, contact 29- 3 having previously conditioned the reverse current discharge circuit 35. This discharge current flow also energizes drop latching relay 41 having a contact 41-1 in the energizing. line for the drop relay 29 thereby interlocking same until the discharge current has reached a safe level. At this time, the drop latching relay 41 deenergizes, opening contact 41-1 and deenergizing the drop relay 29, thereby completing the drop sequence.

While the normal operation of the circuit in the drop sequence has been described, the system also includes provision for assuring discharge of the magnet 10 energy in the event of a malfunction in the discharge circuit through the generator 14, which could occur, for example, on open circuit of positive bus 18 or line 28, or open circuit failure of diodes 25, 26. In this event, forward current discharge circuit 34 is relied upon to perform the full dissipation, being designed to carry full-rated current, but requiring a much longer discharge interval than that obtainable with discharge through generator 14.

SECOND EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown yet another embodiment of the invention applicable particularly to lower current lifting magnets which do not attain the high energy levels associated with the first embodiment of the invention. This circuit is most useful at approximately 50 amperes of magnet current flow and utilizes passive resistor components for discharge of the magnet energy, not requiring the polarized diode connection to the motor generator set. This form of apparatus does, however, provide the usual magnet cycles of magnet energization, discharge and release, in this instance providing all cycling through the action of a single SCR for heavy-duty current switching. Further, the circuit discloses yet another from of magnet-current magnitude sensing by means of a current transformer arrangement.

Power for the system is shown as a DC source 95 supplying voltage to a positive bus 96 and negative bus 97, the source 95 in this instance comprising typically the motor-generator'unit set forth previously, but power could as well be derived from conventional transmission lines through a rectifier arrangement. Only the components closely associated with switching of current flow through the magnet 98 are shown in FIG. 2, the remainder of the circuitry being comparable to that described in detail with reference to the FIG. 1 embodiment. Thus the lift-drop switch and the main control relays will be understood to be contained within block 99 and performing essentially the same function as previously described. Similarly a timing circuit 100 for commutation purposes and a timing circuit 101 for main SCR gating are depicted as logic blocks, comprising similar types of unijunction transistor circuitry for providing gating pulses. I

The forward-current magnet circuit comprises the series 1 connection between the positive 96 and the negative 97 buses of lift relay contact 102-1, magnet 98, primary winding 104-1 of a current transformer, lift relay contact 102-2 and main switching SCR 105, the latter having its cathode connected to the negative bus 97 and gated at line 106 from the timing circuit 101.

A set of drop relay contacts complete the reversing contact arrangement and comprise contact 108-1 in series with a fuse 109 connected between the positive bus 96 and one side of the primary winding 104-1, and a second contact 108-2 in series with a low-impedance fixed-resistor 110 and fuse 111 connected between one side of the magnet 98 and the anode of the main SCR 105. A similar forward-current quench circuit 112 and reverse-current quench circuit 114 are in shunt connection across the magnet 98 and primary winding 104-1, the former circuit 112 including also an electrolytic capacitor 115 in parallel with the diode 116.

A further variance in the system occurs in the bias circuit 118 for a unijunction transistor (not shown) in the commutator timing circuit 100. The bias circuit 118 comprises a charging portion for establishing a rising voltage condition at the capacitor 119, the charging portion being regulated at a predetermined voltage by zener diode 120, together with means for applying power. The latter means includes seriesconnected fixed-resistor 121, a normally open contact 122-1 of the sensing-relay 122, and an SCR 124, the latter having the secondary winding 104-2 of the current transformer connected between gate and cathode electrodes for the supply of gating pulses. A further portion of the bias circuit 118 includes a forward-biased diode 125 for charging a capacitor 126 to a voltage level determined by shunt-connected zener diode 128 when the sensing-relay contact 122-1 is closed and for maintaining the anode of the SCR 124 at a low potential when the normally open contact 129-1 of the lift latching relay 129 is closed, the contact being in series connection with a low-impedance resistor 130, shunting the capacitor 126. Thus when the sensing-relay contact 122-1 is closed, anode potential will be available for the SCR 124 after a short time interval so that the SCR may be gated to conduction by the application of a pulse from the secondary winding 104-2, but such anode potential will be prevented by the closure of the lift latching relay contact 129-1 and the clamping action of the diode 125.

The circuit operation of this embodiment of the invention in the lift sequence is initiated by closure of a lift-drop switch to energize a slave and lift relay and associated contacts in the manner previously described. The commutating SCR 131 is gated on and the commutating capacitor 132 discharged to assure that the main SCR 105 is in an off condition. Subsequently the timing circuit 101 is energized for gating of the main SCR 105 after a time interval sufficient to allow complete closure of the lift relay contacts 102-1, 102-2. Forward current flow is then established through the magnet 98 and after a predetermined interval of time builds up to a maximum level.

The lift latching relay 129 is energized locking in the energization of the lift relay so that conditions are maintained so long as energization of the magnet 98 is desired. Lift latching relay contact 129-1 is also closed at this time discharging the capacitor 126 and preventing any build up of voltage thereacross.

The drop sequence is also initiated in a similar manner, the opening of the lift drop switch causing a drop out of the slave relay and the momentary generation of pulses in the timing circuit 100 causing gating of the SCR 131 for discharge of the capacitor 132 and turnoff of the main SCR 105 in the manner previously described. The voltage across the magnet 98 reverses immediately, forward-biasing the diode 116 in the forward-current quench circuit 112 and operating also the sensing relay 122 for the drop sequence. The lift latching relay 129 is deenergized by virtue of the reverse polarity bias on the diode 134, in turn deenergizing the lift relay and its associated contacts.

Energization of the sensing relay 122 closed contacts 122-1 allowing charging of capacitor 126 to prepare bias circuit 118 for operation in the discharge cycle. Energization of the sensing-relay 122 also causes energization of the drop relay and closure of contacts 108-1, 108-2 to set up the magnet circuit for the reverse-current direction and simultaneously a drop relay contact in the timing circuit 101 closed to initiate a delay interval. In this interval, energy from the magnet 98 is dissipated in the fixed-resistor 135 in the quench circuit 112. When magnet current reaches approximately zero level, the condition is sensed by transformer windings 104-1, 104-2 to apply a gating level to SCR 124 to initiate charging of capacitor 119, creating a delay prior to generation of gating pulses in timing-circuit 100 for application to SCR 131.

Gating of the main SCR 105 via the timing-circuit 101 occurs first and connects the magnet 98 in a reverse-current path by way of the drop relay contacts 108-1, 108-2 to eliminate the residual magnetic effects. The sensing-relay 122 having been previously energized is maintained in an energized condition by virtue now of the direct connection through the drop relay contacts. After a short interval, capacitor 119 will be sufficiently charged and gating pulses will be developed and applied to the gate electrode of the commutating SCR 131, by way of line 136 to again cause commutation of the main SCR 105 and removal of the magnet circuit from the power buses 96, 97.

At this time the energy stored in the magnet 98 is again reversed in polarity thereby forward-biasing the diode 138 in the reverse-current quench circuit 114 and by virtue of the now closed drop relay contact 108-3 is dissipated in the fixedresistor 139. Deenergization of the sensing-relay 122 also causes deenergization of the drop relay and its associated contacts 108-1, 108-2 thereby returning the circuit to condition for initiation of another lift sequence.

It will be noted that in both embodiments of the invention, the lift-drop switch may be changed from one state tothe other without causing damage to the components in that suitable interlocking circuitry and time delays are designed into the system so that, at the most, after only a short time interval, the

components will reach the necessary conditions for switching which will then be automatically effected.

1, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for controlling the energization of an industrial lifting magnet from a DC source of power comprising a silicon-controlled rectifier having a main current anode-cathode path in series connection with the magnet and the DC source, means for gating said silicon-controlled rectifier into conduction, means for commutating said silicon-controlled rectifier to prevent current flow through said magnet, a set of reversing contacts interconnected with said magnet for alternately providing forward and reverse current flow therethrough, and means for sequentially actuating said set of reversing contacts, said gating means and said commutating means.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including quench means in connection with said magnet, said quench means being operative upon commutation of said silicon-controlled rectifier for dissipating the ener in said magnet.

3. Apparatus as set forth in c arm 2 wherein said actuating means comprises means for preventing activation of said commutating means until the energy of said magnet attains a predetermined level.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said preventing means comprises a current transformer having a primary winding in series connection with said magnet and said set of reversing contacts and a secondary winding operatively connected for control of said commutating means.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said commutating means comprises a capacitor, a second silicon-controlled rectifier connected to shunt said capacitor across said main silicon-controlled rectifier, and means for charging said capacitor in a polarity to oppose current flow through said main silicon-controlled rectifier.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including a pair of diodes interconnecting said magnet with the power source, said diodes being poled to direct current flow from said magnet to the power source, and a second silicon-controlled rectifier having a main current anode-cathode path in series connection with said magnet for isolating the electromagnet from the power source.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers are gated and commutated in common.

8. Apparatus for energizing an electromagnet comprising a DC generator having an armature winding, a first main siliconcontrolled rectifier having anode connected to the positive side of said armature winding, a second main silicon-controlled rectifier having cathode connected to the negative side of said armature winding, relay means having contacts connecting the electromagnet to said first and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers, respectively, for forward and reverse current flow through the electromagnet, and a pair of diodes connecting the electromagnet to said armature winding, said diodes being poled to conduct forward current flow from the electromagnet to said DC generator for discharge of the electromagnet.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further including means for interrupting conduction of said first and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers, and means for selecting lift and drop cycles, said conduction interrupting means being responsive to said selecting means.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further including gating means for said first and second silicon-controlled rectifiers, said gating means being responsive to actuation of said relay means.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 further including delay means for preventing actuation of said gating means for an interval of time sufficient to assure closure of said contacts of said relay means.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 further including means for sensing current flow through the electromagnet, said interrupting means being interlocked with said current sensing means to prevent actuation of said interrupting means until the electromagnet current flow attains a predetermined level.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said currentsensing means comprises a relay having a coil connected to sense current flow through said electromagnet, and contacts operatively connected with said interrupting means.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 further including a quench circuit in parallel connection with the electromagnet for dissipating the magnet energy, said quench circuit being polarized to conduct only reverse current flow from said electromagnet. 

1. Apparatus for controlling the energization of an industrial lifting magnet from a DC source of power comprising a siliconcontrolled rectifier having a main current anode-cathode path in series connection with the magnet and the DC source, means for gating said silicon-controlled rectifier into conduction, means for commutating said silicon-controlled rectifier to prevent current flow through said magnet, a set of reversing contacts interconnected with said magnet for alternately providing forward and reverse current flow therethrough, and means for sequentially actuating said set of reversing contacts, said gating means and said commutating means.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including quench means in connection with said magnet, said quench means being operative upon commutation of said silicon-controlled rectifier for dissipating the energy in said magnet.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises means for preventing activation of said commutating means until the energy of said magnet attains a predetermined level.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said preventing means comprises a current transformer having a primary winding in series connection with said magnet and said set of reversing contacts and a secondary winding operatively connected for control of said commutating means.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said commutating means comprises a capacitor, a second silicon-controlled rectifier connected to shunt said capacitor across said main silicon-controlled rectifier, and means for charging said capacitor in a polarity to oppose current flow through said main silicon-controlled rectifier.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including a pair of diodes interconnecting said magnet with the power source, said diodes being poled to direct current flow from said magnet to the power source, and a second silicon-controlled rectifier having a main current anode-cathode path in series connection with said magnet for isolating the electromagnet from the power source.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said firsT and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers are gated and commutated in common.
 8. Apparatus for energizing an electromagnet comprising a DC generator having an armature winding, a first main silicon-controlled rectifier having anode connected to the positive side of said armature winding, a second main silicon-controlled rectifier having cathode connected to the negative side of said armature winding, relay means having contacts connecting the electromagnet to said first and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers, respectively, for forward and reverse current flow through the electromagnet, and a pair of diodes connecting the electromagnet to said armature winding, said diodes being poled to conduct forward current flow from the electromagnet to said DC generator for discharge of the electromagnet.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further including means for interrupting conduction of said first and second main silicon-controlled rectifiers, and means for selecting lift and drop cycles, said conduction interrupting means being responsive to said selecting means.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further including gating means for said first and second silicon-controlled rectifiers, said gating means being responsive to actuation of said relay means.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 further including delay means for preventing actuation of said gating means for an interval of time sufficient to assure closure of said contacts of said relay means.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 further including means for sensing current flow through the electromagnet, said interrupting means being interlocked with said current sensing means to prevent actuation of said interrupting means until the electromagnet current flow attains a predetermined level.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said current-sensing means comprises a relay having a coil connected to sense current flow through said electromagnet, and contacts operatively connected with said interrupting means.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 further including a quench circuit in parallel connection with the electromagnet for dissipating the magnet energy, said quench circuit being polarized to conduct only reverse current flow from said electromagnet. 